Jonas Vingegaard reveals he nearly quit Visma-Lease a Bike over training demands

Jonas Vingegaard nearly left Visma-Lease a Bike last winter after telling team leaders he couldn’t continue under the existing training and race programs.

What did Vingegaard demand?

Vingegaard told Danish broadcaster TV2 in an interview that he told the team: “If this was how it was going to be, I couldn’t be in it anymore.” His demands centered on more individualized programs, shorter race blocks, and better support for his family needs. The changes came after two tough seasons recovering from his 2024 Itzulia Basque Country crash and a public discussion last summer when his wife Trine questioned the sport’s demands.

How Visma-Lease a Bike responded

Marc Reef, the team’s new Head of Racing, confirmed the squad listened closely to Vingegaard’s concerns. “Jonas is very open and feels right at home,” Reef told In de Leiderstrui after the Dane won the 2025 Giro d’Italia. “Everything has gone really well so far.” Reef said the team had been in talks with Vingegaard since late 2024, reshaping his 2025 program around the Giro and Tour de France as the two main goals.

Vingegaard called the shift “a first step” but stressed more work lies ahead. “You should look at it more individually, what suits the rider best,” he said. “If it’s hard to be away so long, you have to do something else-and that’s what we’ve done for me this year.”

What’s next for the Dane?

Reef promised further dialogue, including a review of Vingegaard’s 2026 program after this summer’s Tour. “We’re always in dialogue,” Reef said. “After the Tour, we’ll discuss it together and share more.” The team’s broader overhaul also includes a search for a new title sponsor after losing previous backing.

Vingegaard’s push for change mirrors teammate Matteo Jorgenson’s January comments to Cyclingnews about Visma-Lease a Bike shifting to a more rider-focused approach. “The management sat down last fall and realised they need to listen to our desires more,” Jorgenson said.

Why this matters for Vingegaard’s 2025 season

After two seasons rebuilding from injury, Vingegaard’s 2025 Giro win marked his return to Grand Tour dominance. His family’s role remains central-he kisses a family photo on his handlebars after every victory and credits their support for his resilience. The team’s adjustments aim to keep him competitive while addressing the physical and personal toll of life as a pro cyclist.